Policy information sourced from the Woking Development Management Policies Development Plan Document (DPD)

DM3: Facilities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation

General Principles

Proposals for the provision of outdoor sport and recreational facilities or extensions to, or intensification of use of, existing facilities will be permitted subject to other Development Plan policies and provided that they meet the following criteria:

  1. The development is of an appropriate design, scale and layout relative to its intended use and surrounding area;
  2. The development will not have an adverse visual impact;
  3. The development, if involving agricultural land, is located on the lowest practicable grade and seeks to avoid the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a) unless there are overriding planning benefits for the development;
  4. The development will not cause harm to a site of nature conservation, landscape or historic value that cannot be satisfactorily mitigated;
  5. The re-use of any existing buildings is prioritised and, in the case of a new facility, is satisfactorily integrated with existing buildings where present;
  6. The development will not generate unacceptable activity or give rise to loss of amenity by virtue of noise, smell, light pollution, overlooking, traffic or other general disturbance; and
  7. Opportunities are taken to connect to and enhance the surrounding Green Infrastructure Network.

The overall aim is for facilities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation in the Green Belt to demonstrate that they will preserve the openness of the Green Belt and will not conflict with the purpose of including land within it.

Equestrian Facilities

In addition to the criteria under ‘General Principles’ above, proposals for the development of equestrian facilities (including extensions) will be permitted provided that the following criteria are met:

  1. The development is designed to minimise the potential detrimental impact on the quality of the pasture (by reason of overgrazing or otherwise);
  2. Proposals for equestrian establishments whether for private use or commercial livery have demonstrated that there is adequate land within the curtilage of the site to allow for the proper care of horses, including stabling, grazing and exercise, in accordance with the Equine Industry Welfare Guidelines and British Horse Society Standards (or any future equivalent);
  3. The development will not result in the over-use or deterioration of bridleways, lead to potential conflicts between equestrians and other users, or have adverse effects on the road or highway safety of the area; and
  4. Where the provision of equestrian facilities in the Green Belt are not for outdoor sport or outdoor recreation or for agricultural purposes, they are justified by special circumstances.

Golf Facilities

In addition to the criteria under ‘General Principles’ above, proposals for the development of new golf courses and extensions to existing golf courses will be permitted provided that the following criteria are met:

  1. The development preserves and respects important natural features and topography of the landscape including trees and water features; and
  2. Proposals only include buildings which are genuinely ancillary and which are sited so as to avoid damage to the open character of the area and minimise noise and disturbance to residents.

For more information please see the Development Plan Document